2026 MLB Mock Draft: With 3rd Overall Pick, Twins Still Draft Vahn Lackey, But Lower Rounds Move

[Andy MacPhail]

I've been more excited about Lackey than any other draft prospect for as long as I can remember, because Lackey is the real deal, he could come up fairly soon & fits a real need. My fear is that TB will take him before he gets to the Twins' selection. If Twins land Lackey, IMO, it'd be a successful draft.

[Possumlad]

Keith Law's (NYT / Athletic) new mock today has Emerson going #1... 

I think there's a pretty good chance we end up with Roch. Personally I'd take Flora if Emerson and Lackey go 1-2. Roch is 4th on my list among that group, but would still be happy if we took him. Any of those 4 work for me. 

[Mike Sixel]

3 hours ago, Possumlad said:

Keith Law's (NYT / Athletic) new mock today has Emerson going #1... 

I think there's a pretty good chance we end up with Roch. Personally I'd take Flora if Emerson and Lackey go 1-2. Roch is 4th on my list among that group, but would still be happy if we took him. Any of those 4 work for me. 

Please no. Take one of the top three, or Flora, but top three. 

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

Possibly interesting bit from a chat run by one of Fangraphs' prospect writers today:

2:09     
richwp01: I know there are too many draft questions, but can you weigh in on time to MLB? Roguh approximation:   
    Roch, end of 2027 to get feet wet
    Emerson, end of 2028
    Lackey 2029 if he spends 2 years developing as catcher (Will Smith, Cal Raleigh, Adley Rutchsman, Drake Baldwin, Shea Langeliers all took 3 years in minors , Dingler 4.)

2:10     
Brendan Gawlowski: Those all seem like reasonable baselines; we’ll know a lot more about each of them when they get to the minors.

Obviously this is all just guesses, but maybe a reminder that even as an advanced college catcher, Lackey is likely not a Jeffers replacement next year.

[tony&rodney]

9 hours ago, whosafraidofluigirussolo said:

Obviously this is all just guesses, but maybe a reminder that even as an advanced college catcher, Lackey is likely not a Jeffers replacement next year.

The number of players who go from draft to MLB is miniscule. There are very few who make it after one full year in pro ball. If someone  wants their team to get a young budding star for 2027, that guy will need to come up from the organization or via trade.